We’re celebrating the return of the season of color during Autumn Festival, every Saturday and Sunday in October at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There’s fascinating wildlife, special entertainment, and delicious culinary comforts for everyone to enjoy. Head on over with family and friends to create heartwarming memories with good ol’ fashioned fun!
October 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27
AUTUMN FESTIVAL
SAFARI BASE CAMP
Safari Park Radio
- Saturdays and Sundays
- 9 a.m. to close (continuous)
- Near Barking Deer Pizza & Beer, Safari Base Camp
The Safari Park’s own radio station broadcasts an upbeat, modern country soundtrack perfect for fall days. Listen for interactive trivia games and the “Did You Know?” segments about the fascinating conservation efforts you make possible to save, protect, and care for local wildlife through our Southwest Conservation Hub.
CONDOR RIDGE
Safari Parker
- Saturdays and Sundays
- 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. (30 minutes)
- Burrowing Owls, Condor Trail
Safari Parker, our explorer and adventurer extraordinaire, will entertain everyone with facts about burrowing owls, how they’re vital to our delicately balanced ecosystem, and how your support is helping this species thrive through our Southwest Conservation Hub.
NAIROBI VILLAGE
Robert the Zebra
- Daily
- 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. (30 minutes)
- Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Theater, Nairobi Village
Our fun and playful virtual wildlife ambassador interacts with guests of all ages and offers tips on how everyone can help protect nature and wildlife.
Ash Meadows
- Saturdays and Sundays
- 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. (30 minutes)
- Oasis on the Rocks, Nairobi Village
This talented duo features the unique musical combination of acoustic guitar and mandolin, filling the autumn air with their relaxing sounds.
Autumn Festival Jamboree
- Saturdays and Sundays
- 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. (30 minutes)
- Village Playground, Nairobi Village
Join our scarecrow hosts for a good ol’ fashioned country dance party that’s sure to get your toes tappin’ and your boots scootin’!
Not-So-Scary Scarecrows
- Saturdays and Sundays
- 2:45 to 5:45 p.m. (continuous)
- Village Playground, Nairobi Village
Look for our happy-go-lucky scarecrows as they show off their juggling and bouncing skills in their own silly ways.
A-MAZE-ing Autumn Adventure
- Daily
- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (continuous)
- Village Playground, Nairobi Village
Our Not-So-Scary Scarecrows will greet young wildlife explorers, who will love navigating this fun, walk-through maze. As they make their way through the twists and turns, they’ll discover clues to identify Southwest wildlife.
The Barn Owls
- Saturdays and Sundays
- 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:45 p.m. (30 minutes)
- Village Playground, Nairobi Village
Our talented trio of country musicians will keep everyone entertained with their down-home and bluegrass musical stylings.
Reflections
- Saturdays and Sundays
- 6:45 p.m. (7 minutes)
- Lagoon Loop, Nairobi Village
Take a musical and colorfully lighted journey around the world as our lantern ceremony ends your autumn evening in a celebration of people, wildlife, and the planet we all share.
Culinary Offerings
Savor Autumns Tastiest Treats
- Daily
- Various Locations
Pick up a portable palate pleaser like the Philly Mac and Cheese Fry, Garlic Bread, Barbacoa, and Pumpkin Spice Cones; or a seasonal sipper drink special such as an Apple Cinnamon Mule Cocktails and Oktoberfest Beer. Sweet treats include the Caramel Apple Arctic Blast, decadent Autumn Festival Fudge Selections. And from Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Appletini Floats, and the Prickly Pear Margarita Cocktail—the Autumn Festival seasonal drink choices runneth over!
